Credit: Hartman, Steven, Peter Norrman, and Julia Olson. Why is it important to get the courts involved in the question of climate disruption? Originally published in bifrostonline.org, 26 October 2018 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Why is it important to get the courts involved in the question of climate disruption?
Julia Olson, lead council in Juliana v. United States and co-founder of Our Children’s Trust
Julia Olson, co-founder of Our Children’s Trust, reflects on why the judiciary must get involved in the question of disruption of the climate system. As a branch of the U.S. government intended to check violations of the rights of citizens by the other two other branches of government, she explains, it falls to the courts to ensure these other political (or more easily politicized) branches do not sell short the citizenry in favor of powerful monied interests.
Bifrost gratefully acknowledges Stephanie LeMenager, Barbara and Carlisle Moore Distinguished Professor in English and American Literature at University of Oregon, and the leadership of the research network NIES for all their valuable work and support behind the scenes that helped make this video interview possible. Grateful acknowledgment is also made to Torsten Kjellstrand of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication for providing valuable studio facilities where this and other interviews were filmed with Eugene-based activists, scholars, lawyers and plaintiffs affiliated with Our Children’s Trust.
